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Ravena: ‘We fought, just like we do every single game’

Norman Lee Benjamin Riego on Dec 03, 2016 08:35 PM

BEST FOOT FORWARD. Thirdy Ravena remains confident that Ateneo has what it takes to compete, and even defeat, DLSU.

Ateneo de Manila University was well on its way to completing a comeback against archrival De La Salle University – and then Jeron Teng happened.

The Green Archers’ graduating captain again came through in the clutch and registered both the layup and the deflection that proved to be the difference for his team.

Still, the Blue Eagles did not at all seem disheartened after their rally fell short.

And why wouldn’t they after battling back from as much as 15 points behind?

And why wouldn’t they after keeping on coming and even taking a one-point lead – their first and only in the game – with 34.6 ticks to go on the clock?

And why wouldn’t they after counting only Aaron Black in double-digit scoring and missing out on vastly-improved Isaac Go’s contribution?

In the end, young Ateneo was only two points from matching, three points from surpassing fully-loaded DLSU.

That is exactly the silver lining Thirdy Ravena saw as he said, “We fought, just like we do every single game. Even though things did not seem okay sa start, we just played with our hearts.”

He then continued, “We fought.”

Limiting, for their standards, Ben Mbala to 20 points and 15 rebounds and Jeron Teng to 10 points, Ravena remains confident that all is not lost for the Eagles. “I think nakakaya naming makipag-compete sa La Salle. They’re a very tough team, it’s the Finals, it’s Ateneo-La Salle, pero lumaban kami,” he expressed.